Full Notification

On Friday, February 21, 2014, officers from the Turlock Police Department, Modesto Police Department, Ceres Police Department, Patterson Police Department, Newman Police Department and CHP partnered together as part of the Countywide Integrated Traffic Enforcement (C.I.T.E.) team in Turlock.

Dozens of complaints had been received regarding illegal and dangerous behavior related to a group of people that were gathering in the Safeway parking lot. Hundreds of people would come together at a scheduled, but non-permitted, “car show” to display their custom vehicles. Over the weeks, the behavior degraded to include reckless driving in the parking lot, illegal narcotics use, alcohol consumption, intimidation of other customers, battery, and racing. During the three hour operation, approximately sixty citations were issued for illegally modified vehicles. Seven were arrested for driving while suspended or unlicensed and a juvenile was arrested for DUI and an outstanding warrant.

Officers in plain clothes witnessed and recorded much of the illegal and dangerous behaviors listed on a prior date. Sergeant Neil Cervenka, Traffic Unit Supervisor stated: “This was not the case of one upset person. I have personally observed the behavior in and around the parking lot and the racing on Highway 99 endangering many lives.”

It is believed many of these violators were part of a group that was gathering in Modesto, but a similar CITE operation disrupted them. If groups like this continue their illegal and reckless behavior anywhere in the County, the CITE team will take appropriate action to combat any illegal activity to minimize potential danger to our community members.

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

To receive more detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Turlock Police Department via e-mail, register for "Nixle" alerts at www.Nixle.com or more directly at https://local.nixle.com/register/. Or, text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only.


The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

To receive more detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Turlock Police Department via e-mail, register for "Nixle" alerts at www.Nixle.com or more directly at https://local.nixle.com/register/. Or, text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only.

This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Officer Mayra Lewis.

Any media requests should contact:
Officer Mayra Lewis
Office of Professional Standards
Turlock Police Department
Office phone - (209) 664-7308
Email – [email protected]